Letter from O. M. Wozencraft to Luke Lea, 1851

[Covere]
California R 34
[1852]
O. M. Wozencraft
San francisco Nov. 14, 1851
Has not received answers to his communication since June past. Direct to him at San Francisco is awaiting arrival of Col. McKee to obtain funds. Expects to re-visit the reservations. Refers to his selections of persons to trade with the Indians. Hopes the treaties forwarded will be ratified early, or instructions given him to supply the Indians with articals they need. Asks for an appropriations to enable him to visit Indians east of the Sierra Nevada. Is satisfied there is a pass in the mountains that can be travelled at any times of the year.
Rec'd 18 Feby. 1852
File
[Letter P. 1]
San Francisco Cal. November 14th 1851
Sir,
I would wish to embrace the present opportunity of sending a few lines to the department, in order to state that no communications have been received from the Dept. in answer to those sent by me as far back as June last, since which time I have sent forward a number of treaties, quarterly returns, and communications. Several communications have been received from the Dept. within the above time, which were duly answered; but no mention was made of the reception of said accounts. Please inform me whether or no they came to hand.
It may be as well, in future, to address them direct to me at San Francisco, as it subjects the collector of the port to some unnecessary inconvenience in taking charge of them.
I am now awaiting the arrival of Col. McKee, who has been expected here for some time past, in order that I may draw my quota of the appropriation. I then expect to re-visit several of the Reservations, with a view of further securing a perpetuity of peace, now happily existing throughout the district. In order to do which, it is all-important to go among them frequently, reassurii1g them of our good faith and feelings towards them and at the same time, maintaining a vigilant
[P. 2]
watct over them. This will be indispensably neccessary for some time to come, and here, much will depend on the capacity and integrity of those persons who are to remain among them as licensed traders, instructors, &c.
Knowing as I do, the great importance of making judicious selections of persons to fill those important situations, I have been slow to choose, and careful in making that choice. So far, I have made but two appointments for the full term allowed by law. They are both old residenters, and have great influence with the Indians--Mr. Samuel Norris, with Mr. E. L. Lovell as his partner, and Major P. B. Reading. In the reservations which they have charge of, there need be no fear of Indian disturbances, so long as they are at their post. I will forward by next mail, all particulars, as required by law in relation to the above-named appointees.
As stated in a former communication, I have granted licenses to several individuals, for a short time, deeming it well to grant temporary licenses to those who were at the time trading with the Indians, until I could satisfy myself of the expediency of continuing them or appointing others.
It is to be hoped that the treaties will be ratified at an early date, so that we can be informed of the fact here, before seed time.
[P. 3]
If this is not done by that time, I should be pleased to have some instructions in relation to furnishing them with those articles, that are indispensable to their existence.
I should be pleased likewise, that a small appropriation be made at an early date, in order to enable me to visit those Indians east of the Sierra Nevada, and within the range of mountains. This subject was urged in my last communication. I again revert to it as a subject of great moment. From discoveries made this last summer, I am well satisfied, that there is a pass in the Sierra Nevada range of mountains, that can be travelled at all seasons of the year, so far as snow is an obstacle-the rainy season alone will be an obstacle by softening the earth--and at a grade, that will permit loaded wagons passing without difficulty. This is of vast importance to the State, and we think it would be well for the federal government to take the first step in directing the emigration of 1852 through this advantageous pass. I propose going through this pass in visiting those Indians yet to be treated with.
Respectfully
your very obt sr,
O.M. Wozencraft
U. S. Ind. Ag., Middle Dr., Ca.
Hon. Luke Lea
Commiossioner of Indian Affairs

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[Covere]
California R 34
[1852]
O. M. Wozencraft
San francisco Nov. 14, 1851
Has not received answers to his communication since June past. Direct to him at San Francisco is awaiting arrival of Col. McKee to obtain funds. Expects to re-visit the reservations. Refers to his selections of persons to trade with the Indians. Hopes the treaties forwarded will be ratified early, or instructions given him to supply the Indians with articals they need. Asks for an appropriations to enable him to visit Indians east of the Sierra Nevada. Is satisfied there is a pass in the mountains that can be travelled at any times of the year.
Rec'd 18 Feby. 1852
File
[Letter P. 1]
San Francisco Cal. November 14th 1851
Sir,
I would wish to embrace the present opportunity of sending a few lines to the department, in order to state that no communications have been received from the Dept. in answer to those sent by me as far back as June last, since which time I have sent forward a number of treaties, quarterly returns, and communications. Several communications have been received from the Dept. within the above time, which were duly answered; but no mention was made of the reception of said accounts. Please inform me whether or no they came to hand.
It may be as well, in future, to address them direct to me at San Francisco, as it subjects the collector of the port to some unnecessary inconvenience in taking charge of them.
I am now awaiting the arrival of Col. McKee, who has been expected here for some time past, in order that I may draw my quota of the appropriation. I then expect to re-visit several of the Reservations, with a view of further securing a perpetuity of peace, now happily existing throughout the district. In order to do which, it is all-important to go among them frequently, reassurii1g them of our good faith and feelings towards them and at the same time, maintaining a vigilant
[P. 2]
watct over them. This will be indispensably neccessary for some time to come, and here, much will depend on the capacity and integrity of those persons who are to remain among them as licensed traders, instructors, &c.
Knowing as I do, the great importance of making judicious selections of persons to fill those important situations, I have been slow to choose, and careful in making that choice. So far, I have made but two appointments for the full term allowed by law. They are both old residenters, and have great influence with the Indians--Mr. Samuel Norris, with Mr. E. L. Lovell as his partner, and Major P. B. Reading. In the reservations which they have charge of, there need be no fear of Indian disturbances, so long as they are at their post. I will forward by next mail, all particulars, as required by law in relation to the above-named appointees.
As stated in a former communication, I have granted licenses to several individuals, for a short time, deeming it well to grant temporary licenses to those who were at the time trading with the Indians, until I could satisfy myself of the expediency of continuing them or appointing others.
It is to be hoped that the treaties will be ratified at an early date, so that we can be informed of the fact here, before seed time.
[P. 3]
If this is not done by that time, I should be pleased to have some instructions in relation to furnishing them with those articles, that are indispensable to their existence.
I should be pleased likewise, that a small appropriation be made at an early date, in order to enable me to visit those Indians east of the Sierra Nevada, and within the range of mountains. This subject was urged in my last communication. I again revert to it as a subject of great moment. From discoveries made this last summer, I am well satisfied, that there is a pass in the Sierra Nevada range of mountains, that can be travelled at all seasons of the year, so far as snow is an obstacle-the rainy season alone will be an obstacle by softening the earth--and at a grade, that will permit loaded wagons passing without difficulty. This is of vast importance to the State, and we think it would be well for the federal government to take the first step in directing the emigration of 1852 through this advantageous pass. I propose going through this pass in visiting those Indians yet to be treated with.
Respectfully
your very obt sr,
O.M. Wozencraft
U. S. Ind. Ag., Middle Dr., Ca.
Hon. Luke Lea
Commiossioner of Indian Affairs